# midscene vs Stagehand
_Browser & Computer Use · independent comparison_

> midscene and Stagehand are both open-source browser & computer use you can self-host for free. Stagehand has wider GitHub adoption — 24k stars vs 15k. Neither is universally better — pick by fit.

## Side by side

**midscene**
- Open source · Agent · 15k★ · TypeScript · MIT · active 2 days ago
- Best for: Writing UI tests in natural language across web, iOS, and Android.
- [listing](https://agentsearchengine.app/agents/midscene) · [official](https://midscenejs.com)

**Stagehand**
- Open source · SDK / library · 24k★ · MIT · active 1 day ago
- Best for: Developers building browser agents who want code-level control alongside natural-language actions and structured extraction.
- Avoid if: You need a complete no-code workflow product or cannot use model-assisted browser actions.
- [listing](https://agentsearchengine.app/agents/stagehand) · [official](https://stagehand.dev)

## Key differences

- Stagehand has wider GitHub adoption — 24k stars vs 15k.

## Which to choose

**Choose midscene if:** Writing UI tests in natural language across web, iOS, and Android.

**Choose Stagehand if:** Developers building browser agents who want code-level control alongside natural-language actions and structured extraction.

## FAQ

**What's the main difference between midscene and Stagehand?**
Stagehand has wider GitHub adoption — 24k stars vs 15k.

**Is midscene or Stagehand better?**
Neither is universally better. midscene is the stronger fit for Writing UI tests in natural language across web, iOS, and Android; Stagehand for Developers building browser agents who want code-level control alongside natural-language actions and structured extraction. Use the side-by-side specs to decide by your own constraints.

**Is midscene or Stagehand free?**
midscene is free to run and self-host; Stagehand is free to run and self-host. Both are free to self-host — you only pay for the infrastructure and any model or API usage.

**Which is more popular, midscene or Stagehand?**
By GitHub stars — a proxy for open-source adoption — Stagehand is ahead (24k vs 15k). Stars measure attention, not necessarily the better fit for you.

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Source: [Agent Search Engine](https://agentsearchengine.app) — https://agentsearchengine.app/compare/midscene-vs-stagehand